CVE-1999-1471 Memory corruption in n/a

High 7.2 Published 12 Sep 2001 Updated 1 Aug 2024

Local attackers can gain root privileges via a buffer overflow in the passwd utility on BSD systems.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-1999-1471?

CVE-1999-1471 is a high-severity memory corruption vulnerability in n/a, published on 12 Sep 2001. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Buffer overflow in passwd in BSD based operating systems 4.3 and earlier allows local users to gain root privileges by specifying a long shell or GECOS field.

Which versions are affected by CVE-1999-1471?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Bsd Bsd.

How do I fix CVE-1999-1471?

No fix has been published for CVE-1999-1471 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.

Is CVE-1999-1471 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-1999-1471 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-3x8m-r3mg-qw2f.